Muscle problem eases as Aurelien Tchouameni targets Real Madrid opener

Real Madrid have been handed a timely boost with Aurelien Tchouameni expected to be fit for their opening La Liga fixture against Espanyol on Saturday.

The France midfielder has recovered from the muscle fatigue that kept him out of Real Madrid’s most recent training sessions, according to reports in Spain.

Tchouameni is now expected to be available when Real Madrid begin their league campaign away from home against Espanyol. The update was reported on Sunday by Arancha Rodriguez, a journalist with Spanish radio station Cadena COPE.

The midfielder returned to Real Madrid training after representing France at the World Cup, but initially worked separately from the rest of the squad because of the muscle problem.

His condition has since improved and he is thought to be nearing a full return to training with his team-mates. That progress has strengthened the expectation that he will be ready for the first competitive match of Real Madrid’s season.

Real Madrid will complete their pre-season schedule with a final friendly against German side Schalke on Sunday. The match will be their last preparation game before the visit to Espanyol and the start of their La Liga campaign.

Tchouameni’s recovery gives Real Madrid another option in midfield as they prepare to begin their official fixtures. However, the report indicates that his availability is expected rather than confirmed, with the final decision likely to depend on how he responds after returning to full training.

The French international had been limited to individual work after rejoining the squad, meaning his progress has been monitored closely in the period before the league opener. The improvement in his physical condition now leaves him in contention for the match at Espanyol.

Real Madrid’s immediate focus remains on Sunday’s friendly against Schalke. It will provide the team with one final opportunity to prepare before their competitive return, while Tchouameni’s involvement and fitness will be among the points of interest ahead of the trip to Espanyol.

The midfielder’s potential return would be welcome news for Real Madrid just days before the beginning of La Liga, after his muscle issue interrupted his preparations following his return from international duty with France.